Intellectual property an unnecessary evil

Published on: 2008-1-25

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Intellectual property an "unnecessary evil"

2008-01-25T19:05:06

The software industry is a leading illustration of one of the sub-themes of this book. Intellectual monopoly is not a cause of innovation, but is rather an unwelcome consequence of it. In a young dynamic industry full of ideas and creativity, intellectual monopoly does not play a useful role. It is when ideas run out and new competitors come in with fresher ideas that those bereft of them turn to government intervention - and intellectual "property" - to protect their lucrative old ways of doing business. Read more A scientific and economic analysis which should prepare you to understand many things - including Free Software, much better.